Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsyWhat is Bell’s palsy?Bell’s palsy is a form of weakness in the muscles of the face that will usually improve. It mostly affects only one side of the face and can result in the face looking uneven.Bell’s palsy is most common in people aged 15–45, although it can affect children and the elderly. It affects men and women equally.Most people will fully recover, although this can sometimes take many months. About one in 10 people are left with some degree of muscle weakness in their face.What causes Bell’s palsy?Bell’s palsy is caused by swelling or pressure on the nerve that supplies the face (the facial nerve). This nerve passes from the brain to the face through a tiny hole in the skull. When swelling occurs in this area, the pressure stops the nerve working properly.The cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown; however, infection or autoimmune responses may play a role.What are the symptoms?The symptoms of Bell’s palsy can range from mild weakness to being unable to move the face. Features can include:symptoms appearing suddenly and reaching their worst within 48 hoursweakness in one side of the facedifficulty controlling movement of your facial musclesthe mouth drooping and possibly a lone-sided smilethe face feeling ‘heavy’having trouble smiling, raising your eyebrows or chewing foodone eye not closing properly and feeling irritated or dryfood tasting differentexcessive tearing in one eye.Other than these types of symptoms, people are generally well.TreatmentBell’s palsy will usually recover without treatment, although this can sometimes take many months.If symptoms have been present for a short time (less than 72 hours), prednisolone (a type of steroid medication) may be used to improve the chances of recovery. Antiviral agents such as acyclovir may also be used if a viral infection is present, although their benefit is not clear.Eye protection is important. Bell’s palsy can cause the patient to stop blinking, leading to the eye becoming irritated and dry. Keeping the eye moist and protected from irritation, especially at night, is important. Lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears, eye ointments or gels, and eye patches, are often needed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.Simple pain medication such as paracetamol may be needed if there is pain.Home careIf the eye cannot close properly, it is important to use lubricating eye drops. These should be used several times a day to keep the eye moist and undamaged. A patch may be necessary to protect the eye, especially at night.What to expectThe expected outcome for people with Bell's palsy is generally very good. Recovery will depend on the amount of nerve damage. Recovery takes time and the amount of time is different for each person. With or without treatment, most individuals begin to get better within three weeks and most recover completely within six months. The symptoms may last longer for some people. In a few cases, the symptoms may never completely disappear. In rare cases, Bell’s palsy may recur, either on the same or the opposite side of the face.Seeking helpIn a medical emergency call an ambulance – dial triple zero (000).For other medical problems see your local doctor or healthcare professional.For health advice from a registered nurse you can call NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a day on 1300 60 60 24 for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria.*NURSE-ON-CALL provides access to interpreting services for callers not confident with English. * Calls from mobiles may be charged at a higher rate.Seeking helpIn a medical emergency call an ambulance – dial triple zero (000).For other medical problems see your local doctor or healthcare professional.For health advice from a registered nurse you can call NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a day on 1300 60 60 24 for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria.*NURSE-ON-CALL provides access to interpreting services for callers not confident with English. * Calls from mobiles may be charged at a higher rate.Want to know more?Ask your local doctor or healthcare professional.Visit the Better Health Channel at betterhealth..au.To receive this publication in an accessible format phone 9096 7770, using the National Relay Service 13?36?77 if required, or email emergencycare.clinicalnetwork@safercare..auDisclaimer: This health information is for general education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for you.Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.? State of Victoria, Australia, Safer Care Victoria, May 2019ISBN 978-1-76069-812-6 (pdf/online/MS word) Also available online at safercare..au ................
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